RIP Jill Janus (Huntress)

News has come from American metallers that sadly their Frontwoman, Jill Janus, passed away on Tuesday aged just 43.

(c) Moshville Times / ishootmetal.com

The band have released the following statement on their facebook page:

It is with crushed hearts that we announce that Jill Janus—frontwoman for the California heavy metal band Huntress—passed away on Tuesday, August 14. A long-time sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon. Janus spoke publicly about these challenges in hopes of guiding others to address and overcome their mental illness.

Janus was a truly special creative involved with numerous musical projects including her role as vocalist for female metal/hard rock cover bands TheStarbreakers and Chelsea Girls. In addition, Janus was co-composer and creator of an upcoming rock opera with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Angus Clark and had a decade-long career as NYC DJ Penelope Tuesdae. Her musical career began in childhood.

Beyond her accomplishments in the music world and her advocacy for mental health issues, she was a beautiful person passionate about her family, animal rescue and the world of natural medicine. She will be missed more than she could have ever known.

If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress.

Janus was one of the first interviews I did for the site back in 2015 and not only was I impressed how open she was about her illness back then, she was a lovely person. She will be sorely missed by many and we offer our condolences to her friends and family. As the band have said, if you or someone you know might be at risk get in touch with the relevant suicide prevention lines in your country.